MANILA -- Coaches Tab Baldwin and Topex Robinson have mutual respect regarding how they steered their respective collegiate basketball teams to dominance in their respective leagues.
Reigning UAAP champion Ateneo and NCAA runner-up Lyceum, known for sweeping the elimination round last year, are grouped together in the Elite 8 round of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) beginning February 8.
Both the Blue Eagles and Pirates, however, will not meet until on the fourth day of the national quarterfinals on February 11 as they will face off first with the two other teams of Group A, Visayas qualifier UV and Luzon qualifier Naga College Foundation.
On the other hand, Group B will have NCAA champion San Beda, UAAP runner-up La Salle, Mindanao qualifier Holy Trinity College of General Santos and NCR qualifier San Sebastian.
The Golden Stags' entry means that the top three teams in last year's NCAA season are in the national tournament.
After the intra-group quarterfinals, the top two teams of each group will move on to the crossover semifinals on February 12 with the winners advancing to the national final on February 15.
The quarterfinal stage will happen at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, while the Final 4 and the Final will happen at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City. (PNA)
